According To is a clear phrase used to show that information comes from a source, report, person, or set of rules. In everyday communication, it helps make a statement precise without presenting the information as personal knowledge.
When I use According To in professional writing, I usually follow it with a noun, such as “according to the report” or “according to the police.” It can also explain how something happens under a system, plan, or set of rules, making the meaning easy to understand.
The phrase is especially useful in reports, emails, and other formal situations where the writer needs to identify the basis of information. Choosing the right wording can make a message sound more natural, clear, and appropriate for its context.
What Does “According To” Mean?
“According to” is used to show that information, an opinion, statement, or claim comes from a particular person, source, document, or set of information. For example, “According to the teacher, the exam will begin at nine” means that the teacher provided or stated that information. The phrase can also introduce information based on a report, study, rule, record, or other source.
The expression is generally neutral and flexible. It can be used in casual speech, professional communication, academic writing, news reports, and everyday messages. Depending on the context, it may refer to someone’s statement, a source’s information, or evidence that supports a particular fact.
Common Situations Where “According To” Is Used
“According to” is common when you want to attribute information to a source. You might use it when discussing what a friend said, explaining information from a teacher, referring to a company policy, citing a report, or describing what a news source has reported.
It also appears frequently in formal and academic writing. A writer may say, “According to the report,” before presenting information from that report. In conversation, someone might simply say, “According to Sarah, we’re meeting at six.”
Alternatives can be useful when you want to make the source clearer or change the tone. For example, “per” is concise and professional, while “in the words of” draws attention to the person’s exact wording.
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “According To”?
Yes. “According to” is both professional and polite when it is used appropriately. It is a neutral expression that does not normally sound rude, emotional, or overly casual. It works well in emails, reports, presentations, academic writing, workplace conversations, and everyday speech.
The main difference comes from what follows the phrase. “According to the latest report” sounds neutral and professional, while “according to my friend” is perfectly natural in casual conversation. In some formal contexts, alternatives such as “as documented by,” “as reported by,” or “per” may provide more specific wording.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Saying “According To”
Advantages
“According to” is clear, familiar, and versatile. Most English speakers immediately understand that you are attributing information to another source. It also works across many levels of formality, making it a safe choice for both everyday and professional communication.
Another advantage is its neutrality. The phrase lets you report information without necessarily suggesting that you personally agree with it. For example, “According to the manager, the deadline has changed” simply identifies the source of the statement.
Disadvantages
The main limitation is that “according to” can become repetitive when it appears several times in the same article, report, or conversation. It can also be less precise than some alternatives. For example, “as reported by” specifically suggests that a source reported information, while “as documented by” points toward a record or document.
Some alternatives also communicate a different relationship with the source. “In the words of” suggests that you are highlighting someone’s wording, while “in the view of” emphasizes an opinion or perspective rather than a factual source.
Synonyms For “According To”
- As stated by
- As reported by
- As noted by
- As described by
- As indicated by
- As documented by
- Based on
- Per
- As cited by
- In the words of
- In the view of
- From the perspective of
- As expressed by
- As explained by
- As mentioned by
1. As Stated By
Meaning
“As stated by” means that the information comes directly from something a person, organization, or source has stated.
Definition
It is a phrase used to attribute a statement or position to a particular source.
Detailed Explanation
“As stated by” is slightly more formal and deliberate than “according to.” It works especially well when you are referring to a clear statement or official position. Unlike “according to,” it strongly emphasizes that the source actually stated the information. This makes it useful in reports, formal writing, and professional communication.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: You are summarizing what a company announced.
Example: “As stated by the company, the new service will launch next month.”
Scenario: You are discussing a teacher’s instructions.
Example: “As stated by our instructor, all assignments must be submitted online.”
Best Use
Best for formal writing, reports, workplace communication, and official statements.
Tone
Tone: Formal, clear, factual. It sounds appropriate when you want to emphasize a specific statement.
2. As Reported By
Meaning
“As reported by” means that information was reported or communicated by a particular source.
Definition
It introduces information that has been reported by a person, publication, organization, or news source.
Detailed Explanation
This expression is especially useful when your source is a news outlet, journalist, research publication, or reporting organization. It differs from “according to” because it highlights the act of reporting rather than simply identifying the source. It is not always appropriate for casual opinions or personal statements.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: You are discussing information from a news publication.
Example: “As reported by the local newspaper, the road will reopen tomorrow.”
Scenario: You are summarizing information from a media report.
Example: “As reported by the broadcaster, the event attracted thousands of visitors.”
Best Use
Best for news writing, reports, journalism, and information attributed to reporting sources.
Tone
Tone: Professional, factual, journalistic. It gives the statement a reporting-focused feel.
3. As Noted By
Meaning
“As noted by” means that someone has pointed out, observed, or mentioned particular information.
Definition
It is used to introduce a fact, observation, or point previously identified by a source.
Detailed Explanation
“As noted by” is useful when the source has drawn attention to something important rather than necessarily making a formal statement. It sounds natural in analytical and professional writing. Compared with “according to,” it can make the connection between the source and a specific observation feel more deliberate.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: You are discussing feedback from a manager.
Example: “As noted by the manager, the team needs more time to complete the project.”
Scenario: You are discussing a point from a report.
Example: “As noted by the report, customer demand increased during the summer.”
Best Use
Best for reports, essays, analysis, workplace writing, and formal explanations.
Tone
Tone: Professional, measured, analytical. It works well when highlighting an observation.
4. As Described By
Meaning
“As described by” means that something is being presented based on how a person or source described it.
Definition
It introduces information based on a source’s description or account of something.
Detailed Explanation
This phrase is particularly useful when the source has provided a description, account, or portrayal rather than a simple fact. It is common when discussing experiences, events, objects, processes, or situations. It may sound more precise than “according to” when the exact nature of the source’s contribution is descriptive.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: You are summarizing someone’s experience.
Example: “As described by the customer, the problem started after the software update.”
Scenario: You are writing about a historical event.
Example: “As described by the author, the village changed dramatically over the following decade.”
Best Use
Best for descriptions, personal accounts, essays, reports, and narrative writing.
Tone
Tone: Neutral, descriptive, formal. It focuses attention on the source’s account.
5. As Indicated By
Meaning
“As indicated by” means that something is shown, suggested, or supported by a source, sign, result, or piece of evidence.
Definition
It introduces information that is suggested or demonstrated by available evidence or information.
Detailed Explanation
“As indicated by” is different from “according to” because the source does not always have to be a person speaking. It can refer to data, results, records, signs, or evidence. This makes it especially useful when discussing information that points toward a conclusion rather than simply reporting someone’s words.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: You are discussing survey results.
Example: “As indicated by the survey results, most participants preferred the second option.”
Scenario: You are reviewing business data.
Example: “As indicated by the latest figures, sales have increased this quarter.”
Best Use
Best for data analysis, reports, research, business writing, and evidence-based explanations.
Tone
Tone: Formal, analytical, evidence-focused. It suggests that information points toward a conclusion.
6. As Documented By
Meaning
“As documented by” means that information is recorded or supported in a document, record, file, or other formal source.
Definition
It is used to attribute information to documented evidence or official records.
Detailed Explanation
This expression is more specific than “according to” because it emphasizes that the information has been recorded in a reliable document or record. It is not usually the best choice for casual conversation. The phrase works particularly well when accuracy, documentation, or an official record matters.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: You are discussing a workplace record.
Example: “As documented by the HR department, the policy was updated in June.”
Scenario: You are referring to historical records.
Example: “As documented by the archive, the building was renovated in 1925.”
Best Use
Best for formal reports, records, administrative writing, research, and official documentation.
Tone
Tone: Formal, precise, authoritative. It emphasizes recorded information.
7. Based On
Meaning
“Based on” means that an idea, conclusion, decision, or statement is formed using particular information or evidence.
Definition
It describes something that is supported, influenced, or developed from a specific source or set of facts.
Detailed Explanation
“Based on” is related to “according to,” but it is not always a direct substitute. “According to” identifies where information comes from, while “based on” often explains what information a conclusion or decision relies upon. It is therefore useful when you want to show a connection between evidence and an outcome.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: You are explaining a decision.
Example: “Based on the latest feedback, we decided to change the schedule.”
Scenario: You are discussing a conclusion.
Example: “Based on the available evidence, the team believes the issue began earlier.”
Best Use
Best for decisions, conclusions, analysis, reports, and explanations involving evidence.
Tone
Tone: Neutral, analytical, practical. It highlights the foundation for an idea or decision.
8. Per
Meaning
“Per” means “according to” or “in accordance with” a particular source, instruction, rule, or request.
Definition
It is a concise expression used to refer to information, instructions, policies, or requirements from a specified source.
Detailed Explanation
“Per” is short and common in business and professional communication, especially in emails and workplace documents. It can sound more concise and businesslike than “according to.” However, it is less natural in many casual conversations, where “according to” usually sounds friendlier.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: You are referring to a workplace instruction.
Example: “Per the manager’s request, we’ll move the meeting to Friday.”
Scenario: You are referring to a policy.
Example: “Per company policy, all receipts must be submitted within 30 days.”
Best Use
Best for business emails, policies, instructions, workplace communication, and concise formal writing.
Tone
Tone: Professional, concise, direct. It is common in workplace language.
9. As Cited By
Meaning
“As cited by” means that one source has referred to or quoted another source.
Definition
It introduces information that has been referenced by another source, especially in academic or research contexts.
Detailed Explanation
“As cited by” has a specific meaning and should not be treated as a universal replacement for “according to.” It is most useful when a writer is referencing information through another source. Because it can describe a secondary citation, it should be used carefully when the distinction between the original and secondary source matters.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: You are discussing a source in academic writing.
Example: “As cited by the researcher, the earlier study reached a similar conclusion.”
Scenario: You are reviewing a published discussion.
Example: “As cited by the article, the original report was published several years earlier.”
Best Use
Best for academic writing, research discussions, citations, and source-based analysis.
Tone
Tone: Academic, formal, precise. It focuses on the relationship between sources.
10. In the Words of
Meaning
“In the words of” introduces something using a person’s own wording or a close representation of what they said.
Definition
It is a phrase used to highlight someone’s particular words or way of expressing an idea.
Detailed Explanation
“In the words of” is more personal than “according to.” Rather than simply identifying a source, it draws attention to the person’s language or expression. It is often followed by a quotation, paraphrase, or memorable description and can make writing feel more engaging.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: You are introducing a person’s memorable statement.
Example: “In the words of the coach, the team needed to stay patient.”
Scenario: You are writing a personal story.
Example: “In the words of my grandfather, good work takes both time and care.”
Best Use
Best for speeches, essays, storytelling, quotations, interviews, and personal writing.
Tone
Tone: Warm, expressive, personal. It gives importance to the speaker’s wording.
11. In the View of
Meaning
“In the view of” means someone’s opinion or judgment.
Definition
It introduces a viewpoint, belief, or interpretation held by a particular person or group.
Detailed Explanation
“In the view of” is best when the information represents a perspective or opinion, not an objective fact. It makes the subjective nature of the statement clearer than “according to.” This distinction is useful when you want readers to understand that different people may reasonably hold different views.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: You are comparing professional opinions.
Example: “In the view of the committee, the proposal needs further discussion.”
Scenario: You are writing an analytical article.
Example: “In the view of many residents, the change has improved the neighborhood.”
Best Use
Best for opinions, formal discussions, analysis, essays, and professional commentary.
Tone
Tone: Formal, respectful, balanced. It clearly presents a viewpoint as a viewpoint.
12. From the Perspective of
Meaning
“From the perspective of” means from the particular viewpoint or position of a person, group, or role.
Definition
It introduces an idea by considering a situation through a specific point of view or experience.
Detailed Explanation
This expression is broader than “according to” because it focuses on how someone sees or experiences an issue. It does not necessarily mean that the person provided a factual statement. It is especially useful when comparing different perspectives or explaining how the same situation may look different to different people.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: You are discussing a workplace issue.
Example: “From the perspective of the customer, the instructions are difficult to follow.”
Scenario: You are comparing different groups’ experiences.
Example: “From the perspective of students, the shorter schedule may be easier to manage.”
Best Use
Best for analysis, essays, discussions, workplace communication, and perspective-based writing.
Tone
Tone: Thoughtful, analytical, neutral. It encourages consideration of a particular viewpoint.
13. As Expressed By
Meaning
“As expressed by” means that an idea, feeling, opinion, or position was communicated by a particular person or group.
Definition
It introduces an idea that has been communicated or conveyed by a source.
Detailed Explanation
“As expressed by” works particularly well for opinions, feelings, concerns, beliefs, and positions. It is more formal than simply saying “according to someone.” The phrase emphasizes the way an idea or feeling was communicated rather than treating it as a simple factual statement.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: You are summarizing customer concerns.
Example: “As expressed by several customers, the new process feels confusing.”
Scenario: You are discussing an organization’s position.
Example: “As expressed by the committee, safety remains its main concern.”
Best Use
Best for formal writing, reports, opinions, statements, and discussions of concerns or beliefs.
Tone
Tone: Formal, respectful, measured. It works well when presenting someone’s position carefully.
14. As Explained By
Meaning
“As explained by” means that an explanation or clarification comes from a particular person or source.
Definition
It introduces information that has been explained or clarified by someone.
Detailed Explanation
This phrase is useful when a source has done more than simply state something. It suggests that the person or source provided an explanation of how or why something works. It is therefore a better choice when you’re summarizing instructions, processes, concepts, or reasons.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: A teacher has explained a difficult concept.
Example: “As explained by our teacher, the process requires three main steps.”
Scenario: A technician explains a technical issue.
Example: “As explained by the technician, the problem was caused by an outdated component.”
Best Use
Best for educational writing, instructions, technical explanations, reports, and professional communication.
Tone
Tone: Clear, informative, professional. It emphasizes explanation and understanding.
15. As Mentioned By
Meaning
“As mentioned by” means that a person or source has previously referred to or brought up particular information.
Definition
It introduces something that was previously mentioned by a person or source.
Detailed Explanation
“As mentioned by” is a natural choice when the information has already been brought up in a conversation, document, presentation, or discussion. It is generally softer and less formal than “as documented by.” It works especially well when connecting your current point to something someone has already said.
Scenario Examples
Scenario: You are following up on a colleague’s comment.
Example: “As mentioned by James, the client will review the proposal tomorrow.”
Scenario: You are referring back to an earlier point in a discussion.
Example: “As mentioned by the speaker, the final decision will be announced next week.”
Best Use
Best for emails, meetings, conversations, reports, and follow-up communication.
Tone
Tone: Neutral, polite, conversational. It naturally connects a new statement to an earlier comment.
FAQs
Q1. What is another way to say “According To”?
Some natural alternatives include “as stated by,” “as reported by,” “as noted by,” “per,” and “as mentioned by.” The best choice depends on what you are attributing. For example, “as reported by” fits a news source, while “as documented by” is better for an official record.
Q2. What does “According To” mean?
“According to” means that information comes from a particular person, source, document, report, or set of information. It is commonly used when you want to attribute a statement without necessarily saying that you personally agree with it.
Q3. Is “According To” professional?
Yes. “According to” is professional, neutral, and widely accepted in workplace, academic, and formal communication. It can also be used naturally in casual conversation.
Q4. What is a more polite way to say “According To”?
There is no single universally more polite replacement. “As noted by,” “as mentioned by,” or “as explained by” can sound considerate and natural when the context involves another person’s contribution. The right choice depends on whether you are referring to a statement, observation, or explanation.
Q5. Which alternative works best in formal communication?
The best alternative depends on the source and meaning. “As documented by” works well for official records, “as reported by” suits reporting sources, “as stated by” fits direct statements, and “per” is useful for concise workplace instructions or policies.
Conclusion
According To is a simple but useful phrase for connecting information with a source, report, person, or set of rules. Using it correctly can make your communication clearer and more precise, especially in professional writing, reports, emails, and everyday situations. Choosing the right expression for the context also helps your writing sound more natural and effective.
